Viking has recently added another milestone to its impressive legacy in the cruising industry with the formal naming of its latest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta®. The celebratory event took place in the picturesque port city of Split, Croatia, where the ship was christened with a traditional ceremony that included a unique blend of maritime customs and cultural performances.
“As we celebrate 10 years of ocean voyages in 2025, we are pleased to welcome the new Viking Vesta to our award-winning fleet of elegant sister ships,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “We are also very grateful to Lene for serving as godmother. In addition to her personal and professional accomplishments, Lene embodies the values that are very important to me and to Viking — she is kind, honest, hardworking and, of course, curious. I am proud to count her as a friend and a valued member of the extended Viking family.”
Lene Tangevald-Jensen, a distinguished Norwegian journalist and dedicated philanthropist, was chosen to fulfill the esteemed role of godmother for the Viking Vesta®. Known for her long career in journalism and her philanthropic work, Tangevald-Jensen was chosen for this prestigious role due to her significant contributions to Norwegian society and her close relationship with the Viking family.
The ceremony itself was a grand spectacle. In keeping with Viking’s time-honored traditions, Tangevald-Jensen wielded a Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon, marking the ceremonial moment. A bottle of Norwegian aquavit was then smashed against the ship’s hull, a symbolic gesture that is said to bring good luck to the ship and its future voyages. Guests were also treated to musical performances by renowned soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø, who serves as the godmother of the Viking Jupiter®, and the gifted Norwegian violinist Tor Jaran Apold. The blend of classical music and Nordic tradition added a special touch to the event.
Lene Tangevald-Jensen: A Godmother with a Deep Commitment to Community and Growth
Lene Tangevald-Jensen’s path to becoming the godmother of the Viking Vesta® reflects her extraordinary professional journey.
Over the years, she has earned a reputation for her dedication to journalism and social causes. After completing her International Baccalaureate and a master’s degree in business, she spent time in the private sector, focusing on stocks and real estate investments. Her journalistic career spans three decades, during which she has written for some of Norway’s leading financial publications, including Kapital and Finansavisen. She has conducted over 500 interviews, including with prominent figures such as U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
Beyond her professional career, Lene is deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly through the LEON Trust, which she supports in its mission to provide education for children in Kenya, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. She also actively works with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Norway and founded TBS Gallery, an art space in Oslo dedicated to showcasing the work of sculptor Tore Bjørn Skjølsvik.
Her dedication to growth, both personal and communal, resonates deeply with Viking’s values. Lene’s life mantra, “Growth happens when we dare to try — even when failure looms,” reflects her belief in the power of embracing challenges and taking bold steps forward. Her expedition to Antarctica aboard the Viking Polaris® in December 2022 allowed her to create a documentary film that highlighted the natural beauty of the frozen continent. It is this sense of curiosity and adventure that Viking sought to honor in choosing her as the godmother of the Viking Vesta®.
The Viking Vesta: A New Chapter in Viking’s Award-Winning Fleet
The Viking Vesta® is the latest addition to Viking’s renowned fleet of small ocean ships. With a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, the Viking Vesta® accommodates up to 998 guests in 499 staterooms, each featuring private verandas that provide breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and Northern Europe’s scenic coastlines. The ship is a perfect blend of Scandinavian elegance and modern design, with spacious public areas flooded with natural light and a variety of al fresco dining options to enhance the cruising experience.
This new vessel will continue its inaugural season by sailing through some of the world’s most beautiful regions, offering passengers the opportunity to experience the charm of the Mediterranean and the pristine beauty of Northern Europe. The Viking Vesta® is designed to provide a luxurious and immersive experience, with all of the hallmark features that make Viking’s ocean ships a favorite among discerning travelers: understated luxury, cultural enrichment, and a focus on exploring the world’s most fascinating destinations.
Viking’s Continued Success in the Cruise Industry
The naming of the Viking Vesta® comes on the heels of a series of accolades that continue to solidify Viking’s reputation as a leader in the cruise industry. For the second consecutive year, Viking was rated #1 in the Oceans, Rivers, and Expeditions categories by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Additionally, Viking was recognized as one of the “World’s Best” for oceans, rivers, and expeditions in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards, making it the first company in history to simultaneously hold all three titles in back-to-back years.
Viking’s dedication to excellence extends to its customer satisfaction, as reflected in its high rankings in the 2025 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Cruise Lines, Viking earned top honors as the Best Luxury Cruise Line, Best Cruise Line for Couples, and Best Cruise Line in the Mediterranean.
The company has also received several prestigious honors, including the Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Star Awards, which recognized Viking’s ocean ships as “Recommended” in the luxury travel category. Moreover, Viking earned seven awards in Cruise Critic’s 2024 Best in Cruise Awards, highlighting the company’s exceptional offerings in the Luxury (Ocean), River, and Expedition categories.
These accolades are a testament to Viking’s ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled experiences to its guests, offering a perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and cultural immersion. As the Viking Vesta® sets sail, it will continue to uphold the company’s legacy of excellence, setting new standards for luxury cruise experiences and forging a path for future growth in the industry.
Looking Ahead: Viking’s Vision for the Future
With the Viking Vesta® now part of its fleet, Viking continues to build on its reputation for excellence in cruising. The company’s focus on small ships, immersive cultural experiences, and exceptional service has set it apart in the cruise industry. As it looks to the future, Viking plans to expand its offerings even further, bringing travelers closer to the world’s most intriguing destinations while maintaining a commitment to sustainable and enriching travel.
With the Viking Vesta® now gracing the seas, passengers can expect an unforgettable journey that combines the best of Scandinavian design, world-class hospitality, and the charm of the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The naming of this new ship is just the beginning of what promises to be another exciting chapter in Viking’s storied history.
As the Viking Vesta® embarks on its inaugural voyage, it carries with it not only the hopes of its crew and passengers but also the legacy of Viking’s commitment to exploration, cultural enrichment, and luxury.
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